At Night

Chapter Three: Torn to Shreds

I jolt awake to a loud bang on my window.  It was a tree limb. I turn back over to go to sleep but I see the time on my alarm clock. 11:03 p.m.  As I watch the clock as minutes pass by, I come to the realization that I wouldn't be able to go back to sleep. “Stupid branch," I muttered to myself in annoyance.

I slowly force my body up and over to my small walk-in closet, switching on the light as I go by.  I change into a red spaghetti-strap top and a dark blue pair of skinny jeans. I don't have any pajamas or such and I didn't care.  Night clothes aren't needed to survive. I slowly walked to my front door and slid on my socks and black combat boots.  I had a deep desire to go for a walk in the woods.

Before I actually stepped out my door, I quickly pulled a small can of mase out of my purse.  I stepped outside, relocked my door and headed towards the woods.  Now, I realize that walking in the woods during the night sounds stupid but my apartment was secluded and the woods didn't seem too thick.  I walked for a while just enjoying the fresh air, and the peaceful quiet.

I was too into my walk that I didn't notice the woods surrounding me were way too quiet. That was until I heard the growling. Intense, menacing and loud.  I instantly froze in fear in mid-step. Shuffling came from my right side and I slowly turned my head to look at what ever was most likely going to kill me.  Out walked the biggest wolf I've ever seen, not that I had seen a live wolf before.

The wolf was black, stood about 4 feet and had familiar dark brown eyes. He had stopped growling and sat himself in front of me. I stood completely paralyzed, the wolf watched me curiously and I ached to run. Finally the wolf's eyes reached mine and I was instantly filled with confusion and wonder.  I felt the urge to touch him and slowly walked to him to pet him. Before I could reach him, he suddenly launched himself at me.

He pinned me down and was growling in my face. Saliva dripped down onto my face and I was pulled out of my shock.  I screamed. And my scream was loud. That wasn't the only noise echoing in the woods.. The huge, killer wolf was howling as I screamed. Slowly my screams of terror turns into sobs of regret. I didn't look up at the wolf but instead kept my head to the side as I whimpered.

Suddenly I felt something cold and wet against my neck then a huff of air.  The wolf made a sound in his throat that sounded suspiciously like purring.. But wolves don't purr, do they? I kept myself still, barely making a sound or breathing.  The wolf stepped off of me and watched me. He leaned his head down and nudged under my cheek with his nose.  I'm not sure of the feelings I had in me but I steadily got up onto my knees. The wolf licked my cheek and I randomly had the urge and the courage (or maybe the stupidity?) to reach behind his ear and scratch.

The wolf let out a pleasured whine and thumped his hind leg on the ground. I continued to scratch and giggle as he thumped his leg. He closed his eyes and let his tongue hang to the side of his muzzle.  The wolf almost looked like a normal dog, one I would take home with me if he wasn't a wild animal.

I slid my hand to the top of his head then down the back of his neck and heard a startling howl. Another howl arose from the woods followed by more. I then slowly pulled my hand away and placed both of them on my lap. The wolf tilted his head to then side then slowly stood on all fours. I watched him as he turned back to the trees, looked back at me then ran into the woods, howling.

I hastily stood up, wanting to follow him but I knew better. He had a pack, I could tell by the howling. One wolf was dangerous enough but a group of them? No, thank you. I shook my head at my thoughts and walked home. I suddenly overcome by exhaustion and used what was left of my energy to make it to my bed. I glanced over at my clock before I fell into a deep sleep. 1:26 a.m.